Electronic authorization system and method

ABSTRACT

An electronic authorization system comprising a data source system configured to transmit transaction data. A secure data system is coupled to the data source system over an open network, the secure data system is configured to receive the transaction data from the data source system, generate a unique encrypted identifier for the transaction data and to transmit the unique encrypted identifier to the data source system. The data source system is configured to receive the unique encrypted identifier and replace payment card data associated with the transaction data in a database with the unique encrypted identifier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/676,681, filed Apr. 29, 2005, is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,451,481, issued Nov. 11, 2008, and a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 8,010,791, issued Aug. 30, 2011, and all of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of database systems, and more particularly to a database system and method for encryption and protection of confidential information that uses a unique surrogate identifier for confidential information that is stored on devices that are accessible over an open network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Data communications channels such as computer networks have varying degrees of security. Some computer networks, such as the Internet, are open to a large number of users. Computers that are connected to these networks may be subject to attack from third parties that want access to confidential information that is stored on the computers. This problem can be exacerbated when the confidential information is third party confidential information that is only used for short periods of time and which is then stored for future use, such as personnel data, medical data, business data, financial data, or other data.

Although firewalls and other security devices can be used to provide some protection, active monitoring of network state and data flows is required to provide the highest level of security. However, most businesses cannot afford to provide such high levels of security.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an electronic authorization system is provided that overcomes known problems with encryption and protection of confidential data.

In particular, an electronic authorization system is provided that does not require confidential data to be stored in a manner where it is accessible over an open network.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electronic authorization system comprising a data source system configured to transmit transaction data. A secure data system is coupled to the data source system over an open network, the secure data system is configured to receive the transaction data from the data source system, generate a unique encrypted identifier for the transaction data and to transmit the unique encrypted identifier to the data source system. The data source system is configured to receive the unique encrypted identifier and replace payment card data associated with the transaction data in a database with the unique encrypted identifier.

The present invention provides many important technical advantages. One important technical advantage of the present invention is a system and method for managing merchant payment transaction processing accounts that allows a user to obtain pricing information without giving the user access to proprietary information, such as tiered pricing structures that are developed using knowledge that has been accumulated for classes of merchants.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages and superior features of the invention together with other important aspects thereof on reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a database system for encryption and protection of confidential data in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for encryption and protection of confidential data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawing figures might not be to scale, and certain components can be shown in generalized or schematic form and identified by commercial designations in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a database system 100 for encryption and protection of confidential data in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. System 100 allows a computer on an open network to perform functions with confidential information without requiring that computer to store the confidential information so as to protect the confidential information from misappropriation.

Database system 100 includes data source system 102, secure data network interface system 104, secure data network 106 and secure data storage system 108, each of which can be implemented in hardware, software, or a suitable combination of hardware and software, and which can be one more software systems operating on a suitable processing platform. As used herein, a hardware system can include a suitable general purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or other suitable systems. A software system can include one or more objects, agents, threads, lines of code, subroutines, separate software applications, two or more lines of code or other suitable software structures operating in two or more software applications or on two or more processors, or other suitable software structures. In one exemplary embodiment, a software system can include one or more lines of code or other suitable software structures operating in a general purpose software application, such as an operating system, and one or more lines of code or other suitable software structures operating in a specific purpose software application.

Data source system 102 receives confidential data Ci and first associated data Da1. Confidential data Ci can be confidential business data, personal data, financial data, technical data, or other suitable data. First associated data Da1 can be non-confidential data that is associated with the confidential data, such as a file structure that has had all confidential data removed, a record identifier, a transaction identifier, or other suitable data. Confidential data Ci and first associated data Da1 is then provided to secure data network 106 through secure data network interface system 104, and first associated data Da1, unique encrypted identifier E1, second associated data Da2 without confidential data Ci is received in response. Data source system 102 stores first associated data Da1, unique encrypted identifier E1, second associated data Da2 without confidential data Ci, so as to prevent unwanted access to confidential data Ci at data source system 102 over open network 128. In one exemplary embodiment, data source system 102 stores the unique encrypted identifier Ei until a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

In another exemplary embodiment, data source system 102 requests additional data DaN from secure data network 106 through secure data network interface system 104 using the unique encrypted identifier Ei, and secure data network interface system 104 translates unique encrypted identifier Ei to confidential information Ci for transmission over secure data network 106. This request can be made by sending a structured request that contains only that information, a sequence of messages with that information, fields within an existing data format (such as the VISAD data format with that information, encrypted or unencrypted, or in other suitable manners. In one exemplary embodiment, secure data network interface system 104 translates confidential information Ci using unique encrypted identifier Ei to transmit the additional data DaN to data source system 102 over open network 128. In this exemplary embodiment, data fields in a pre-existing or proprietary data format that are blank, filler fields, or unassigned can be used to indicate that the message contains a request to translate Ei to Ci, so as to allow systems that are configured to process the pre-existing or proprietary data formats to also process the translation requests. Data source system 102 can also store the unique encrypted identifier Ei until a predetermined period of time has elapsed, until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after additional data DaN is received from secure data network 108.

Settlement data substitution system 112 transmits a settlement request Sr and unique encrypted identifier Ei to secure data network interface system 104 and receiving a settlement confirmation Sc and unique encrypted identifier Ei from secure data network interface system 104. This request can be made by sending a structured request that contains only that information, a sequence of messages with that information, fields within an existing data format (such as the VISAD data format or a proprietary data format) with that information, encrypted or unencrypted, or in other suitable manners. Data fields in a pre-existing or proprietary data format that are blank, filler fields, or unassigned can be used to indicate that the message contains Sr and Ei or to receive Sc and Ei, so as to allow systems that are configured to process the pre-existing or proprietary data formats to also process the settlement requests.

Reporting data substitution system 114 allows reporting data to be generated using unique encrypted identifier Ei. In one exemplary embodiment, data source system 102 provide unique encrypted identifier Ei to secure data network interface system 104 with report request Rr, and secure data network interface system 104 and secure data network 106 generate a report based on unique encrypted identifier Ei and report request Rr. This request can be made by sending a structured request that contains only that information, a sequence of messages with that information, fields within an existing data format (such as the VISAD data format or a proprietary data format) with that information, encrypted or unencrypted, or in other suitable manners. Data fields in a pre-existing or proprietary data format that are blank, filler fields, or unassigned can be used to indicate that the message contains Rr and Ei or to receive the report, so as to allow systems that are configured to process the pre-existing or proprietary data formats to also process the settlement requests.

Exception data substitution system 116 receives exception data Dd and unique encrypted identifier Ei from secure data network interface system 104 and transmits exception response data Dr to secure data network interface system 104 in response to exception data Dd. Exception data substitution system 116 receives a transaction identifier Ti, exception category data Dc and the unique encrypted identifier Ei from secure data network interface system 104 and transmits biometric data Bd to secure data network interface system 104 in response to the transaction identifier Ti, the exception category data Dc and the unique encrypted identifier Ei. This request can be made by sending a structured request that contains only that information, a sequence of messages with that information, fields within an existing data format (such as the VISAD data format or a proprietary data format) with that information, encrypted or unencrypted, or in other suitable manners. Data fields in a pre-existing or proprietary data format that are blank, filler fields, or unassigned can be used to indicate that the message contains Dr or Bd and to receive Dc, so as to allow systems that are configured to process the pre-existing or proprietary data formats to also process the settlement requests.

Secure data network interface system 104 receives confidential data Ci and first associated data Da1 from data source system 102, stores confidential data Ci and first associated data Da1 in secure data storage system 108, and interfaces with systems over secure data network 106 to obtain second associated data Da2. In one exemplary embodiment, secure data network interface system 104 can access frame relay connections, dedicated communications lines, or other secure data communications media to obtain second associated data Da2 in response to the confidential data Ci and first associated data Da1, additional data DaN in response to subsequent queries, or other suitable data. Secure data network interface system 104 provides unique encrypted identifier Ei and second associated data Da2 to data source system 102 over open network 128.

Secure data network interface system 104 includes data association system 118, authorization system 120, settlement system 122, reporting system 124 and data encryption system, each of which can be implemented in hardware, software or a suitable combination of hardware and software, and which can be one or more software systems operating on a general purpose processing platform. Secure data network interface system 104 can receive a structured request that only contains information from one or more systems of data source system 102, a sequence of messages with that information, fields within an existing data format (such as the VISAD data format or a proprietary data format) with that information, encrypted or unencrypted, or in other suitable manners. Data fields in a pre-existing or proprietary data format that are blank, filler fields, or unassigned can be used to indicate that the message contains data from one or more of the systems of data source system 102, or to transmit data to those systems, so as to allow systems that are configured to process the pre-existing or proprietary data formats to also process the settlement requests.

Data association system 118 associates the confidential data Ci with unique encrypted identifier Ei and stores confidential data E1, first associated data Da1 and unique encrypted identifier Ei in secure data storage system 108. In, one exemplary embodiment, unique encrypted identifier Ei can be keyed to some or all of the data in first associated data Da1, confidential data Ci, both Ei and Ci, state data that indicates whether data has been received from data source system 102, secure data network 106, or other suitable sources, or other suitable data. Data association system 118 also receives second associated data Da2, associates second associated data Da2 with confidential data Ci, first associated data Da1 and unique encrypted identifier Ei, and stores confidential data Ci, first associated data Da1 and unique encrypted identifier Ei in secure data storage system 108.

Authorization system 120 performs authorization using the confidential information Ci and the first associated data Da1. In one exemplary embodiment, authorization system 120 can send an authorization request Ar to secure data network 106, and can receive an authorization indicator Ai that identifies whether authorization was approved or denied, the reason why authorization was denied, a request for additional information, or other suitable data.

Settlement system 122 performs settlement using the confidential information Ci and the first associated data Da1. In one exemplary embodiment, settlement system 122 can send a settlement request Sr to secure data network 106, and can receive settlement data Sd that identifies whether settlement was processed or denied, the reason why settlement was denied, a request for additional information, or other suitable data.

Reporting system 124 provides reporting functions using unique encrypted identifier Ei, confidential data Ci, first associated data Da1, second associated data Da2, additional data DaN, or other suitable data. In one exemplary embodiment, reporting system 124 can receive a plurality of unique encrypted identifiers and can obtain the corresponding confidential data Ci, first associated data Da1, second associated data Da2, authorization request Ar, authorization indicator Ai, settlement request Sr, settlement data Sd, or other suitable data, and can generate reports based on the types of data specified, available data, or other suitable data.

Data encryption system 126 generates a unique encrypted identifier Ei for confidential data Ci. In one exemplary embodiment, the unique encrypted identifier Ei can have the same data format as the confidential information, so as to allow the data source system to operate without modification. In this exemplary embodiment, the data source system can store the unique encrypted identifier Ei as if it were the unencrypted confidential information, so as to allow the use of the unique encrypted identifier Ei to be seamlessly transparent to the user of data source system 102. Likewise, suitable systems can be used to interface with existing systems of data source system 102 so as to locally translate the unique encrypted identifier Ei, to modify the systems of data source system 102 to accept a unique encrypted identifier Ei that has a different size or data structure than the confidential data Ci, or to perform other suitable functions.

Secure data storage system 108 is coupled to secure data network interface system 104, and is isolated from open network 128. In one exemplary embodiment, secure data storage system 108 can be isolated from secure data network interface system 104 by a dedicated communications medium, one or more firewalls, and can have other suitable security measures, such as active monitoring for security threats. As such, the level of security that can be provided using secure data storage system 108 is much greater than is typically provided for data source system 102.

Secure data network 106 is coupled to secure data network interface system 104, receives the confidential data Ci and the first associated data Da1, and generates second associated data Da2. Secure data network 106 provides second associated data Da2 to secure data network interface system 104.

In operation, database system 100 allows confidential information Ci to be used over an open network without the need to store the confidential information in a data storage device that is accessible over the open network. In this manner, data source systems can receive confidential medical data, financial data, personal data, or other suitable data and can perform a variety of functions using the confidential data without the need to store the confidential data or otherwise incur costs for protecting the confidential data from third parties.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method 200 for encryption and protection of confidential data. Method 200 begins at 202 where confidential data Ci and first associated data Da1 is received, such as at a data source system. The method then proceeds to 204 where the confidential data Ci and the first associated data Da1 is transmitted from the data source system over an open network to a data network interface system. The method then proceeds to 206.

At 206, confidential data Ci and first associated data Da1 is received at a secure data network interface system, and it is determined at 208 whether Ci and Da1 are internally consistent. In one exemplary embodiment, confidential data Ci and first associated data Da1 can have a predetermined structure with alpha and numeric fields, predetermined field values, address data, or other suitable data, and it can be determined whether the data is internally consistent. If the data is not internally consistent, the method proceeds to 210 and an error is returned. Otherwise, the method proceeds to 212 where Ci and Da1 are stored in a secure data storage system that is coupled to the data network interface system and isolated from the open network. The method then proceeds to 214.

At 214, confidential data Ci and first associated data Da1 is transmitted to a secure data network. At 216, second associated data Da2 is generated at the secure data network in response to confidential data Ci and first associated data Da1. In exemplary embodiments, second associated data Da2 can be medical claim data, financial data, credit card authorization data, funds transfer data, national security data, crime enforcement data, or other suitable data. The method then proceeds to 218 where the second associated data Da2 is received from the secure data network at the secure data network interface system. At 220, unique encrypted identifier Ei is generated, such as based on confidential data Ci, first associated data Da1 and second associated data Da2, or other suitable data. In exemplary embodiments, the format of the unique encrypted identifier Ei can be the same as the format of the confidential data Ci, the content of the data fields of Ei can be generated from the content of Da1 and Da2, or other suitable processes can be used. The method then proceeds to 22.

At 222, second associated data Da2 is associated with the confidential data Ci, the first associated data Da1, and the unique encrypted identifier Ei at the secure data network interface system. The confidential data Ci, first associated data Da1, second associated data Da2, and the unique encrypted identifier Ei can be stored in the secure data storage system. The method then proceeds to 224.

At 224, unique encrypted identifier Ei and second associated data Da2 is transmitted to the data source system over the open network, and Ei, Da1, Da2 and other suitable data is stored at the data source system, without the confidential data, so as to prevent unwanted access to the confidential data at the data source system over the open network. The method then proceeds to 230.

At 230, it is determined whether additional data has been requested from the secure data network through the secure data network interface system using the unique encrypted identifier Ei. If it is determined that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the unique encrypted identifier Ei has been received without a suitable function being implemented, then the method proceeds to 232 where the data is deleted. Otherwise, a suitable function is performed. For example, unique encrypted identifier Ei and other suitable data can be transmitted to the secure data network interface system for transmission over the secure data network, the confidential information can be translated to the unique identifier to transmit the additional data to the data source system over the open network. A settlement request can be transmitted with the unique identifier to the secure data network interface system, and a settlement confirmation and the unique identifier can be received from the secure data network interface system. Exception data and unique encrypted identifier can also be received from the secure data network interface system and exception response data can be transmitted to the secure data network interface system in response to the exception data. A transaction identifier, exception category data and the unique identifier can also be received from the secure data network interface system and biometric data can be transmitted to the secure data network interface system in response to the transaction identifier, the exception category data and the unique identifier.

Although exemplary embodiments of a system and method of the present invention have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will also recognize that various substitutions and modifications can be made to the systems and methods without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. 

1-13. (canceled)
 14. An electronic data processing method, comprising: receiving a confidential electronic data record and an associated electronic data record at a first electronic data processing system; electronically transmitting the confidential electronic data record and the associated electronic data record from the first electronic data processing system to a second electronic data processing system over an encrypted communications medium; generating an electronic unique encrypted identifier associated with the confidential electronic data record and the associated electronic data record using the second electronic data processing system; electronically transmitting the electronic unique encrypted identifier from the second electronic data processing system to the first electronic data processing system; and storing the electronic unique encrypted identifier with the associated electronic data record and with a time field in an electronic data memory device, wherein the time field is used to determine a storage period for the electronic unique encrypted identifier.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the storage period is determined as a function of an additional electronic data record that is received over the encrypted communications medium.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein the storage period is determined as a function an additional electronic data record that is received over the encrypted communications medium in response to a settlement request.
 17. The method of claim 14 further comprising determining whether the storage period has elapsed and deleting the electronic unique encrypted identifier if the storage period has elapsed.
 18. The method of claim 14 further comprising retrieving the electronic unique encrypted identifier from the electronic data memory device and transmitting the retrieved electronic unique encrypted identifier to the second electronic data processing system over the encrypted communications medium.
 19. The method of claim 14 further comprising retrieving the electronic unique encrypted identifier from the electronic data memory device and transmitting the retrieved electronic unique encrypted identifier and an electronic request record to the second electronic data processing system over the encrypted communications medium.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: receiving the retrieved electronic unique encrypted identifier and the electronic request record at the second electronic data processing system; extracting the confidential electronic data record from an electronic data memory device; and processing the confidential electronic data record as a function of one or more instructions in the electronic request record.
 21. The method of claim 20 further comprising: generating an electronic response data record associated with the electronic request record after processing the confidential electronic data record; storing the electronic response data record at the second electronic data processing system; retrieving the electronic unique encrypted identifier; and transmitting the electronic response data record and the electronic unique encrypted identifier to the first electronic data processing system.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the storage period is determined as a function of the electronic response data record.
 23. The method of claim 14 further comprising retrieving the electronic unique encrypted identifier from the electronic data memory device and transmitting the retrieved electronic unique encrypted identifier and an electronic settlement request record to the second electronic data processing system over the encrypted communications medium.
 24. The method of claim 23 further comprising: receiving the retrieved electronic unique encrypted identifier and the electronic settlement request record at the second electronic data processing system; extracting the confidential electronic data record from an electronic data memory device; and performing settlement processing with a settlement system using the confidential electronic data record as a function of one or more instructions in the electronic settlement request record.
 25. The method of claim 24 further comprising: generating an electronic settlement response data record associated with the electronic settlement request record after processing the confidential electronic data record; storing the electronic settlement response data record at the second electronic data processing system; retrieving the electronic unique encrypted identifier; and transmitting the electronic settlement response data record and the electronic unique encrypted identifier to the first electronic data processing system.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein the storage period is determined as a function of the electronic settlement response data record.
 27. The method of claim 14 further comprising retrieving the electronic unique encrypted identifier from the electronic data memory device and transmitting the retrieved electronic unique encrypted identifier and an electronic reporting request record to the second electronic data processing system over the encrypted communications medium.
 28. The method of claim 27 further comprising: receiving the retrieved electronic unique encrypted identifier and the electronic reporting request record at the second electronic data processing system; extracting the confidential electronic data record from an electronic data memory device; and performing report processing with a reporting system using the confidential electronic data record as a function of one or more instructions in the electronic report request record.
 29. The method of claim 28 further comprising: generating an electronic reporting response data record associated with the electronic request record after processing the confidential electronic data record; storing the electronic reporting response data record at the second electronic data processing system; retrieving the electronic unique encrypted identifier; and transmitting the electronic reporting response data record and the electronic unique encrypted identifier to the first electronic data processing system.
 30. The method of claim 29 wherein the storage period is determined as a function of the electronic reporting response data record. 